Jose Cuervo to Commemorate the Mexican National Soccer Team as It Finalizes Its... -- NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire/ --

Jose Cuervo to Commemorate the Mexican National Soccer Team as It Finalizes Its United States Tour
Ramon Ramirez, former Mexican National Soccer Team mid-fielder, will be in Houston to present a contribution to the Institute for Mexicans Abroad Scholarship Program

NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Jose Cuervo, the world's first tequila maker, will celebrate with 70,000 others the Mexican National Soccer Team's last game in the United States prior to their playing before the world in South Africa. To honor this cultural occasion Ramon Ramirez, former MNT mid-fielder and official spokesperson for Jose Cuervo Tradicional, will be in Houston on May 13th against the backdrop of the Mexico vs. Angola match, to present a donation to the Institute for Mexicans Abroad Scholarship Program (IME Grants) which provides educational and financial support to adults of Mexican origin who reside in the United States.

"I am proud to be part of a campaign that promotes Mexican cultural values through our beloved sport," says Ramon Ramirez. "The green jersey is a symbol that implies honor and pride, and reminds us to live responsibly," adds the soccer legend.

Ramon Ramirez will present the $10,000 contribution to Norberto Terrazas, Acting Consul General of Mexico in Houston, who will accept the funds on behalf of the IME Grants during a press conference scheduled for 11:00am, May 13th at the Mexican Consulate.

"We thank Jose Cuervo for considering that education has a vital role in the development of our community," said Consul Terrazas. "The support that Jose Cuervo has given to the Hispanic community through IME Becas will provide better opportunities for Latinos living in this country."

Jose Cuervo launched its collaboration with the Institute for Mexicans Abroad in February of 2009. Since then, the brand has contributed more than $40,000 to the IME Becas scholarship program. The funds have been presented to the Mexican Consulates in cities across the United States including New York, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Atlanta.

In Houston, Ramon Ramirez will also engage attendees of legal purchase age at the Jose Cuervo Tradicional Fan Zone at Reliant Stadium's Futbol Fiesta, where he will sign autographs prior to the match against Angola.

Jose Cuervo will further mark the occasion by inviting 50 community members and IME scholarship recipients providing them with tickets to attend the game and cheer for their team as it prepares to compete in the most important soccer tournament in the world.

As official sponsor of the Mexican National Team, Jose Cuervo Tradicional is culminating its three-year campaign that uses soccer as a vehicle to promote social responsibility before fans of Mexican descent.

"Jose Cuervo is being true to its heritage and its social responsibility campaign has resonated with fans," says Ramon Ramirez. "The Jose Cuervo Tradicional slogan defines our passion when it states that Mexico, you always have it on."

Jose Cuervo Tequilas are imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc. Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer categories. These brands include: Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit www.diageo.com.

ABOUT IME

The Institute for Mexicans Abroad is the agency of the government of Mexico in charge of coordinating policies that address the needs and help realize the potential of the immigrant communities. IME is the lead office within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs working in close collaboration with 50+ consular offices in North America in order to deliver quality services to the migrant population. Visit www.ime.gob.mx.

ABOUT IME GRANTS

IME Grants is a Fund committed to elevate the education level of first generation Hispanics. Its mission is to provide and enhance opportunities for access to adult education programs and colleges in the United States for Mexican adult immigrants to develop useful skills to better participate in the Unites States work environment. For more information visit www.imebecas.org.